Photo By Chief Warrant Officer Brian Lautenslager | Sgt. Darren J. Mumm is awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat...... read more read more
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – A Marine from Benson, Minn., was recognized for valor in combat during a ceremony here, Feb. 17.
Sgt. Darren J. Mumm, team leader, Commanding General’s Personal Security Detachment, Combat Logistics Regiment 15 (Forward), 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device by Brig. Gen. Charles L. Hudson, commanding general of 1st MLG (FWD) for actions during an enemy ambush.
The combat distinguishing device, or Combat “V”, is awarded specifically for heroic actions in combat.
During a mounted combat patrol to Forward Operating Base Edinburgh, Nov. 2, a vehicle in Mumm’s convoy struck an improvised explosive device initiating a complex enemy ambush. Mumm directed the fire of his vehicle’s turret gunner onto the enemy’s position, helped suppress enemy fire and facilitated the medical evacuation of a fellow Marine wounded by the IED blast.
Mumm remembers moments before the incident and how everything seemed out of place.
The patrol was going through a market, explained Mumm. In the past, the market would be filled with local nationals and vehicles. But when the Marines were going through it, it was deserted.
“No one was around,” said Mumm.
Moments after entering the market, the lead vehicle struck the IED resulting in a Marine with open-fracture wounds to both of his legs.
After receiving the report on the injured Marine, Mumm knew “it was urgent to get that Marine out of there.”
Mumm quickly decided the best, most safe location for a landing zone and called in a 9 line –a report used to rapidly provide information for a medical evacuation.
Simultaneously, the enemy began firing on the Marines who were rigging the damaged vehicle for tow.
Instinctively, Mumm directed the driver of his vehicle to move to a position from which to best engage the enemy. He swiftly dismounted the vehicle and began firing on the enemy.
Mumm said he couldn’t have accomplished the mission without the hard work of his fellow PSD Marines.
“Receiving this award only credits a thank you to the Marines in the team,” said Mumm, “Without them, I would have never received it.”
Though Mumm believes the recognition should go to his fellow Marines, others believe the recognition he received was most deserving.
“He is the epitome of the sergeants in the Marine Corps, he leads from the front,” said Sgt. Maj. Antonio N. Vizcarrondo Jr., sergeant major of 1st MLG (FWD). “He embodies everything about the Marine Corps: honor, courage and commitment.”
Through his actions that day, the wounded Marine was safely evacuated, the damaged vehicle was recovered, and the enemy ambush was defeated.
“Out of the 300 something days out here,” said Mumm. “It’s a day I won’t ever forget.”
| Date Taken: | 02.17.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 02.21.2011 07:19 |
| Story ID: | 65811 |
| Location: | CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF |
| Web Views: | 734 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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